Venetian blind operating mechanism



g 7,2 Fig.2

' May 26, 1931. J, w, D N 1,807,061

VENETIAN BLIND OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. '26, 19:50 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 mum.

.Z'n van for Job!) PM Form A faorneyg May 26, 1931. J. w. DUNN VENETIAN BLIND OPERATING ME CHANISH Filed Feb. 26, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 In ven for John W Dunn A fforn e1 5 Patented May 26, 1931 :,UNITED STATES-PATENT OFFICE JOHN W. DlJ'ITN, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

VENETHN BLIND OPERATING MECHANISM Application filed February 26, 1930. Serial No. 431,408.

This invention relates to Venetian blinds, and has for an object the provision of an improved mechanism for operating blinds of this general character.

A more detailed object is the provision of an operating mechanism for a Venetian blind, whereby the portion of the area of a window or other opening which is screened by the Venetian blind, may be varied at will, and with greater facility than in the case of the conventional operating mechanism for accomplishing the same purpose.

- even though the operator manipulates but a single cord or equivalent element...

. Another object is to provide means for pivoting all of the slats of the blind about.

horizontal axes extendin longitudinally of the slats, thereby permitting variation of the amount of light and/or air to ass between the slats, and still prevent-t e passage of the direct rays of the sun or'other illuminant therebetween.

A more detailed object in this connection, is the provision of means for varying the angularity of the several slats of the blind, wherein a suitable gear reduction is employed in such a manner that the pivotal 40 motionof theslats is much slower than the motion of the driving means; with theresult that the operator isable to maintain much more accurate control over the movement of the slats, and thus secure a nicer,

more: accurate adjustment of the slats than in the case of the conventional mechanism. The invention possesses other objects and advantageous features, some of whlch, with those enumerated, will be set forth in the '50 following description of the inventions particular embodiment which is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of the specification.

' Referring to the drawings: Figure l is an elevational view of a winv dow and a Venetian blind having an op--' erating mechanism constructed in accordance with the rinciples of the present invention, operatlvely installed thereupon.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, longitudinal, verti cal, medial sectional view of the operatin mechanism. This view may be considere as a compound sectional view, with the planes of section indicated by the lines 2-2 of Fig. 3, and the direction of view by the arrows.

Fig. 3 is a transverse, vertical sectional viewtaken upon the line 3'-3 of Fig. 2, with the direction of view as indicated.

Fig. 4; is a fragmentary view in rear el'evation, showing one of the adjustable journals forming a portion of the present invention. The direction of view indicated by the arrow 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. but

showing a slightly modified form of mechanism for varying the elevationof the blind.- Portions of the figure are broken away to reduce its length. I

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5, but' showing a still further modified form. Portions of this figure also are broken away to reduce its length.

Fig. 7 is'a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing a further modified .form .of elevatinlg mechanism.

ig. 8 is a transverse, vertical sectional view, the plane of section being taken upon the line 88 of Fig. 7, and the direction of view being indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8, showing another modified form. 1 Broadly considered, the operating mechanism of the present invention, comprises a flexible, endless band such as a chain or cord disposed horizontally upon a pair of spaced shafts, suitable rotary elements such as sprockets or pulleys, eing interposed between the flexible-band and the shafts. To

one of the runs of the flexible band, a pair f cords or their equivalent, are attached at spaced points, and'these cords depend thereguides andthe band to which the cords are attached,

to move horizontally, causing the cords to be drawn upwards past their. respective guides; with the result that the lowermost slat of the Venetian blind, is elevated, carrying with it the slats thereabove, as they are successively gathered thereupon. Means are also provided for imparting rotary motion to theuppermost slat .of the blind about a 1 horizontal axis extending longitudinally thereof, and inasmuch as the several slats of the blind are-so intercon nected that such rotary motion of any one of the slats causes all of them to be similarly turned, this means enables the operator to adjust the slats of the blind so as to regulate the amount of airand/or light passing through the blind. This last mentioned means differs 'from that conventionally employed, inasmuch as a suitable reduction gear or the equivalent thereto, is employed, whereby a relatively great motion of the adjusting means is necessary to the angularity of the slats with the honproduce a given motion of the slats, and in this manner, the adjustment of the slats of the blind to the exact degree of angularity desired, is materially facilitated. I

Specifically describing thato'embodiment of the invention which at present appears to be the most practical, it is herein shown and described as being operatively associated with a Venetian blind 11 of conventional design. Such a blind includes a plurality of horizontally disposed slats 12 disposed one above the other in parallel planes; These slats are normally retained in spaced relationship through the expedient of tapes 13 and 14; secured to. the outer and inner edges respectively, .Of the uppermost slat 16. As manypairs of these tapes 13 and 14' may be employed as may be desired to accommodate the particular length of slat employed. Preferably however, there is'a pair of tapes adjacent each-end of the blind. Between the tapes Band 14 of each pair, a plurality of auxiliary tapes 17 extend, these auxiliary tapes 17 being secured adj acent each end to the vertically disposed tapes 13 and 14 in any convenient manner,

such as by suitable stitching, oractually weaving the ends of the auxiliary tapes 17 into the body of the verticaltapes 13 and 14:. The auxiliary tapes17 are spaced from each other, andeach of the slats 12 is supported adjacent each end upon one ofthe auxiliary tapes 17, the other end of the slat being supported. u ona similar tape at the same elevation. ence, the spacing betively tween the'sevcral slats 12 is determined. by the spacing of the auxiliary tapes 17. Each slat 12 is provided with an elongated, transversely extending slot 18 between the tapes 13 and 14: of each pair; and a cord 19 or its equivalent, extends vertically through each series of slots 18, the lower end of each cord being secured to the lowermost slat 21. The elongated nature of the slots 18, permits turning all of the slats through. relafering with the understood.

The auxiliary tapes 17 are disposed in par allelism with each other so that the several slats 12 supported thereupon are retained in parallel planes. Furthermore, the spacing between the slats 12 is less than the effective width thereof, the purpose being topermit entirely blocking off the window or other cords 19, as will readily be wide angles without seriously inter opening with which the blind 11 is associated, this being accomplished by-turning the slats so that each is disposed at a relatively great angle withthe horizontal. If

the slats are turned so nearly to the vertical that the inner edge of one makes contact with the outer edge of the next, the blind will be capable of shutting out substantiall all the light and preventing practically a circulation of air. However, by decreasing zont al, the amount of light and/or air which may pass between the s ats, is materially increased. In this manner, it is made possible to prevent the direct rays of the sun or other source of light from entering the window, and still permit the entrance of the desired amount of indirect light and/or air. I

The outer and inner tapes 13 and 14; respectively, are secured to the opposite edges of the uppermost slat 16, which in turn is mounted for rotary adjustment about a longitudinally extending horizontal axis.

For this purpose a suitable pivot pin 26 is rigid with and extends from each end of the uppermost slat 16, each pin 26 being journalled within a bracket 27 These brackets 27 are-rigidly attached adjacent the ends of a horizontally extending bar 28 which is adapted to be. attached to the under surface of the lintel 29 of the window, or to any other suitable structure capable of supporting the bar 28 in proper position in respect to the opening with which the blind is to be associated. My im roved mechanism for varying the angularity of the slats 12 with the horizontal, in the present modification, is in the form of a worm wheel 31 mounted rigidly and coaxially upon one end of the uppermost slat 16 adjacent the associated bearing plate 27. This worm wheel 31 may ing plate 27 This shaft 32 carries a worm.

effective area of the Venetian blind.

16 turns, a suitable bearing 33 for the shaft 32 being provided upon the associated bear- 34 which is enmeshed with the worm wheel 31.; and the inner end of the shaft 32 carries a pulley 36 upon which a 'cord 37 is engaged. The ends of the cord 37 dependfrom the pulley 36 to such a height that they are readily accessible so that a person may pull either atively deep groove 41 is formed in the upper face of the bar 28, this groove extending longitudinally of the bar and having a shaft 42 journalled transversely thereof, ad-

jacent each end. I prefer to mount either or both of the shafts 42 in such a manner that the effective distance therebetween, may be varied. For this purpose a transverse groove 43 is formed in the upper face of the bar 28 in the approximate position at which the adjustable shaft 42. is to be rotated. A plate 44 is disposed upon the bottom of the groove 43, and the upper face of 'this plate 44 is provided with a plurality of serrations 46. A pair of spaced bearing plates 47 are carried by anchoring plates 48 which may be secured to the upper surface of the bar 28 as' by a plurality of wood screws 49. However, the bearing. plates 47 are materially narrower than the groove 43, and are provided at their lower edges with serrations 51 engageable with the serrations 46 of the plate 44. Hence, the anchoring plate 48 and the bearing plates 47 may be adjusted transversely of the associated groove 43, i. e., longitudinally of the bar 28; it being understood that the anchoring plate 48 is not to be attached to the bar 28 until the bearing plates 47 have been engaged with the selected serrations 46 of the plate 44, to properl position the bearing p ates 47. L

Each of the sha ts 42 carries a sprocket 56, and the sprockets 56 of both shafts 42 are in alignment with each other so that a chain 57 may be engaged thereupon.

Whereas the a roximate degree of tautness of the chain 5 may be attained by determining the proper number of links therein, a degree of adjustment less than that at 'tained by the removal or insertion of a link,

is attainable by shifting one or both of the anchoring plates 48 and the associated journal plates 47, as will readily be understood.

One of the shafts 42 extends through that portion 58 of the bar 28 which defines the inner side of the groove 41; and a sprocket 59 is rigidly secured to the thus exposed relend of this shaft 42, by a set screw 61 or its equivalent. Furthermore, the sprocket 56 associated with this shaft 42, 1s also rigidly secured to the shaft as by a set screw 62 or its equivalent. An elongated, preferably endless chain 63 is engaged upon the sprocket 59, and this chain 63 hangs loosely to an accessible position so that rotation of the shaft 42 may be effected by pulling upon the chain 63. Inasmuch as the associated sprocket 56 is rigid with its shaft 42, this will result in moving the chain 57 longltudinally of the bar 28, the upper run 66 moving in one direction and the lower run 67 in the opposite direction.

Each of the cords 19, as explained herein above, extends through all the slats 12. Each cord 19 passes through a hole 68 in the bottom of, the bar 28, and thence into the groove 41, and the upper end of each cord 19 is secured to the chain 57. The spacing between the points at which the ends of the cords 19 are secured to the chain 57, preferably is equal to the spacing between the points at which the cords are secured to the lowermost slat 21. Furthermore, the parts are so proportioned and arranged that when the lowermost slat 21 is in its extreme lowest position, i. e., when the blind is fully extended, the points at which the cords 19 are attached to the chain 57 ,-are immediately above the respective holes 68, these oints of attachment at this time, being within the lower run 67 .of the chain 57. Under such an arrangement, motion of the lower run 67 of the chain 57 longitudinally of the bar 28 and in either direction, will result in pulling both cords 19 upwards, thus causing elevation of the lowermost slat 21. Preferably a air of rollers 69 are journaled in each 0 the holes 68, the associated cord 19 passing between the rollers 69 so that abrasion of the cord 19 which would otherwise result from pulling the upper end of the cord in a direction at an angle with the vertical, is prevented.

Hence, by pulling upon the chain 63 to effect rotation of the associated shaft 42 and its sprocket 56, the effective area of theVenet an blind may readily be varied. Furthermore, it will be impossible to so operate the mechanism that the slats are moved thereby in any motion other than 'translatory, i. e., the slats are maintained gslat of the blind. Hence, if onev cord is pulled more than the other, the end to which that cord is attached, will be raised through a greater distance. As will readily be understood, the possibility of throwing in the present instance,

the slats out of true horizontal arrangement is 'precluded by the .employment of the operating mechanism of the present invention, because of the fact that it is impossible to the two cords 19, both cords being pulled upwards by a common actuating memberthe chain 57.

Inasmuch as under certain circumstances, the vertical distance through which the blind is to be adjusted, may exceed the width of the blind, I have so constructed the device that it is possible for the ends.

of the cords 19 which are attached to the chain 57, to be carried around the shafts &2. In fact, the arrangement is such that these ends of the 'cords 19 may be carried several times' around the shafts, if desired. For this purpose an idler pulley 71 is mounted upon each of the shafts 12 adjacent the associated sprocket 56; and the cords 19 are attached to that side of the chain 57 which will result in positioning the runs of the cords 19 as they are formed upon the pulleys 71. Fig. 2 shows the upper end of the cord 19 upon the right hand side of that Figure, as having been carried, around the proximal idler pulley 71.

In some installations, there may be insuflicient room to accommodate the sprocket 59 under the lintel 29 of the window, it being understood that under] ordinary circumstances, the sprocket59 is of greater radius than the distance betweentlie axis of the associated-shaft 12 and the top of the bar 28.

. Furthermore, I prefer to employ a guard requires still more room. Hence, I

this have deemed it advisable to employ the mechanism illustrated upon Fig. 5. Here a driven gear 7 6 is made fast to the shaft 12 in the place of the sprocket 59. A countershaft 72 over the sprocket 59, and obviously,

77 is journaled at one end in the forward face of the bar 28 and at its other end in an extension of the shield 7 2'. This shaft 77 carries a' driving gear 78, and also the sprocket 59'. modification affords all the convenience of that previously described, but permits lower positioning of the sprocket 59 and the shield 2.

It would be altogether feasible to position the shafts at each end of the groove in the supporting bar, vertically instead of horizontally. 6 illustrates such an arrangement. Here each of the sprockets 81 whereon the chain 57 is mounted, is carried by a shaft 82 which is disposed vertically instead of horizontally. The shaft 82 also carries an idler pulley 83 analogous to the idler pulley 71 previously described, anda bevel gear 84:. A. shaft 86 extends through the forward wall 87 of the bar 88; and the sprocket 89 upon which the chain 63 is to be mounted, is rigidly secured to he thus expull upwards unequally uponthe first Hence, the mechanism of this posed end of the shaft 86. This mechanism operates in precisely the same manner as that previously described, the only difference being that/both turns of the chain 57 are in a common horizontal plane, whereas under described modification, they are disposed in a vertical plane.

It will be entirely wihin the scope of the present invention to use some other type of flexible band than the chain 57 For example, Figs. 7 and 8 show each of the shafts 91 at the ends of the groove 11 in the bar 28,

as being provided with a spool or pulley 92 in the place of the sprocket 56. Preferably both spools 92 are made fast to their associated shafts 91 for rotation therewith; and an endless cord 93 passes around both spools 92. Furthermore, the cord 93 is sufficiently taut upon the spools 92 to insure the movement of the runs thereof, longitudinally of the bar 28 when the shafts 91 are turned. The cords 19 whereupon the slats 12 of the blind are supported, are both secured to that portion of the cord 93, which is in the lower run 94: thereof, when the blind is in its extreme lowermost position; with the result that movement of the lower run 9 1 in either direction, will result in the elevation of the lower edge of the blind as previously described.

One of the shafts 91 carries a second spool or pulley 96 preferably larger than the associated spool 92. A material length of another cord 97 is wound upon this spool 96. A sufficient number of turns 98 of the cord 97 are wound upon the pulley 96 to permit sufficient movement of the cord 94; to pull the cords 19 through the entire extent of the adjustment of the blind by pulling downwards upon the lower end of the cord 97 before all the turns 98 are unwound from the pulley 96, it being understood that the cords 19 will be pulled around the pulleys 92 with the cord 94. as rotation is imparted to the shaft 91, as a result of the turns 98 being unwound from the pulley 96.

In Fig. 9 the shafts 91' are disposed vertically instead of horizontally as is the case with the shafts 91 of the modification shown upon Figs. 7 and 8. .Each of the vertical shafts 91 end in the bar 28, at its upper end in .a plate 101, and each carries aspool 92'. One of the shafts 91 is also provided with a spool 96' upon which the cord 97 is wound in the plurality of turns 98. Inasmuch as the shaft 91 is disposed vertically, the cord 97 passes through a suitable hole 102 in the inner face of the bar 28, and thence hangs downward so that by pulling downwards rotation may be imparted to the associated is journalled at its lower' shaft 91 to move the cord 93' which is carried by the two pulleys 92', and thus effect raising the slats 12 of the Venetian blind.

- of the appended claims. v

I claim:

l. A mechanism for operating a Venetian blind including a plurality of horizontally extending slats, said mechanism compris ing a horizontally disposed bar, a shaft journalled adjacent each end of said bar, a flexible band passing around both of said shafts, a cord-secured adjacent each end of the lowermost of said. slats, each cord extending upward and being joined to said band, and means for rotating said shafts.

2. A mechanism for operating a Venetian blind including a plurality of horizontally extending slats, said mechanism comprising a horizontally disposed' bar, a shaft journalled adjacent each end of said bar, a flexible band passing around both of said shafts, a cord secured adjacent each end of the lowermost of said slats, each cord extending upward and being joined to said band, a guide for each of said cords adja-. cent said band, said guides being spaced a distance equal to the spacing between the oints of attachment of the cords to said ibwermost slat, and means for rotating said shafts. 1

3. A mechanism for operating a Venetian blind including a plurality of horizontally extending slats, said mechanism comprising a horizontally disposed bar, a shaft journalled adjacent each end ofsaid bar, a flexible band passing around both of said shafts,

, a cord secured adjacent each end of the lowermost of said slats, each cord extending upward through the other slats and being joined to said band, a guide for each of said cords adjacent said band, said guides being spaced a distance equal to the spacing between the points of attachment of the cords to said lowermost slat, and means for rotating said shafts, the points of attachment of the cords to said band being above the respective guides when the blind is in lowermost position.

4. A mechanism for operating a Venetian blind including a plurality of horizontally extending slats, said mechanism comprising a horizontally disposed bar, a shaft journalled adjacent each end thereof, a rotary element carried by each shaft, a flexible band passing around both of said rotary elements, means for turning one of said elements to cause the band to move longitudinally of the bar, and a cord secured adjacent each end of the lowermost of said slats, each cord extending upward therefrom through the other slats and being joined to said band. v

5. A mechanism for o erating a Venetian blind including a plura ity of horizontally extending slats, said -mechanism comprising a horizontally disposed bar, a shaft'journalled adjacent each end thereof, arotary element carried by each shaft, a flexible ban'd passing around both of said rotary ele.--

ments, means for turning one of said elements to cause the band to move longitudinally of the bar, a cord secured adjacent each end of the lowermost of said slats, each cord' extending upward therefrom through the other slats and being joined to said band and guiding means engaging each cord below said band whereby the upper ends of both cords may be pulled longitudinally of the bar to cause elevation of said lowermost slat.

6. A mechanism for operating a Venetian blind including a-plurality of horizontally extendingslats, said mechanism comprising a-horizontally disposed bar, a shaft journalled adjacent each end thereof, a rotary element carried by each shaft, a flexible band passing around both of said rotary elements, means for turning one of said elements to cause the band to move longitudinally of the bar, a cord secured adjacent each end of the lowermost of said slats, each cord extending upward therefrom through the other slats and being joined to said band, and guiding means engaging each cord below said band whereby the upper ends of both cords may be pulled longitudinally of the bar to cause elevation of said lowermost slat, the points of attachment of blind including a plurality of horizontally extending slats, said mechanism comprising a horizontally disposed bar, a shaft journalled adjacent each end thereof, a rotary element carried by each shaft, a flexible band passing around both of said rotary elements, means for turning one of said elements to cause the band to move longitudinally of the bar, and a cord secured adja- *-cent each end of the lowermost of said slats, each cord. extending upward therefrom through the other slats and being joined to said band, each cord extendin also through a hole in said bar between sai band and the uppermostof said slats whereby the upper ends of both cords may be pulled longitudinally of the bar to cause elevation of said lowermost slat. I j V 8. A mechanism for operating a Venetian blindincluding a plurality of horizontally extending slats, said mechanism comprising tending upward therefrom through the other slatsand being joined to said band, each "for rotating sald shafts, and guiding means engaging each cord below said band whereby.

cord extending also through a hole in said bar between said band and the uppermost of said slats whereby the upper ends of both cords may be pulled longitudinally of the bar to cause elevation of said lowermost slat, and the points of attachment of said cords to said band bein above the respective guides when the blind is in lowermost position.

9. A device for altering the elevation of a member in translatorymotion, comprising a horizontally-extending bar, a shaft journalled adjacent each end of said bar, a flexible band passing around both of said shafts,

a cord secured adjacent each end of said member, each cord extending-upwards therefrom and bein joined to said band, means the upper ends of both cords may be pulled of said recess, a plate carried thereby narrower than the'reoess and having its lower edge serrated and engaged within selected serrations in said first mentioned plate, means for securin said second mentioned plate to the upper ace of the bar in selected position, the associated shaft being journalle'd in said narrow plate, a flexible band passin around bothof said shafts, a cord secure adjacent each end of the lowermost of said slats, each cord extending upward through the other slats and being joined to said band, and means for rotating said shafts.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

JOHN W. DUNN.

longitudinally of the bar to cause elevation of said member.

10. A device for altering the elevation of a member in translatory motion, com rising a horizontally extending bar, a s aft journalled adjacent eachend of said bar, a

.flexible band passing around both of said shafts, a cord secured adjacent each end of said member, each cord extending upwards therefrom' and being joined to said band,

means for rotating said shafts, and means engaging each cord below said ban "whereby the upper ends of both cords may 7 be pulled longitudinally of the 'bar to cause elevation of said member, the points of attachment of said cords to said band being above the respective guides when the member is in lowermost position, whereby elevation of said member may be effected by moving the band longitudinally of the bar' in either direction. 7

11. A mechanism for operatin a Venetian blind including a plurality of orizontally extending slats, said mechanism comprising i a horizontally disposed bar, a shaft journalled adjacent each end of said bar, means for varying the effective distance between said shafts, a flexible band passing around both of said shafts, acord secured adjacent each end of the lowermost of said slats, each cord extending upward through the other slats and being joined to said band, and

- means for rotating said shafts.

12. A mechanism for operating a Venetian blind including a plurality of horizontally extending slats, said mechanism comprising a horizontally disposed bar, a shaft; ournalled adjacent each end of said bar, the

means for mounting at least one of said shafts comprising a serratedplate disposed upon the bottom of a recess in the upper face 0 said bar,.a plate extending across the top III 

